Covid-19 support guidelines for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

ABSTRACT

People with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) are at greater risk for contracting the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) virus and experiencing more severe outcomes that people without IDD. Many people with IDD live and work in congregate settings, which provide an ideal environment for rapid spread and outbreaks. Although sources such as the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued guidelines to inform responses to COVID-19 in communities globally and in the United States, few address the specific needs of people with IDD. In this paper, authors evaluate generally available guidelines and adapt them to the needs of people with IDD, with recommendations on application to congregate settings including group homes.